Within the context of discussing EMERGENCIES, we have written, over the last few weeks, about toxic encounters that companion animals endure because their owners, mostly unwittingly, place the pets in harm’s way.
RAT BAIT
Well, I don’t have to emphasize that our residents throughout the length and breadth of Guyana have, at one time or the other, found it necessary to take serious measures to eliminate vermin that come in all shapes and forms, especially when household hygiene is sub-standard.
Just as the ubiquitous rodents (rats) are intrigued by these pleasant-smelling pellets or colourful rice grains which are impregnated with poison, so, too, do dogs (cats also, but not so much) find the attraction difficult to resist.
Naturally curious, puppies especially find (via smell) the rat bait (pellets or powder), even when it is hidden, and eat these attractive substances. Soon after the pet has ingested the rat bait, symptoms begin to reveal themselves.
These immediate symptoms are:
• Vomiting
• Incoordination of movement (wobbly gait)
• Seizures
Later symptoms are:
• Diarrhoea
• Blood in stool
• Lethargy (listlessness)
• Nose bleeds
• Loss of appetite (unwillingness to eat any food, even liquids)
(N.B. If the animal is in a comatose condition, the end is nigh).
Even as you contact your veterinarian, you may wish to administer (orally with a syringe) a 3% solution of Hydrogen Peroxide, so as to precipitate vomiting. The dose of Hydrogen Peroxide is 5-20 ml (1 to 4 teaspoonfuls according to the size of the dog) every 30 minutes. Of course, this will work only if the poison is still in the stomach. Thus, it should be administered as soon as you have ascertained that the pet has indeed ingested the toxic substance — in this case, the rat bait.
A concentrated saline (salt) solution may also be administered, if no other appropriate chemical agent is available to induce the vomiting reflex. I am not a great fan of the use of salt solutions.
I have been asked whether raw eggs would work as an emetic for dogs that have ingested poisons. There is no research to support the use of raw eggs, and in my decades of practice, dealing with poisoning and considering what clients have done to treat poisoning, I can state that raw eggs will not work.
Indeed, it may be contraindicated because raw eggs contain enzymes that destroy B vitamins exactly at the time when the animal needs every nutrient in its defense arsenal to encounter the poison in its system.
If Hydrogen Peroxide is not available, you may use Activated Charcoal, one ounce orally.
In summary, I urge that you be vigilant at all times, and avoid placing rat bait within the reach of your active and curious pets. Also, and as I have indicated on many occasions, ensure that your Pet’s Medical Kit has Hydrogen Peroxide and Activated Charcoal.
Note that you must replace the Hydrogen Peroxide once it has passed its expiration date. Also, once it is opened it will lose its efficacy in six months. A good test of efficacy is to pour some into a sink and see if it fizzles. Expired Hydrogen Peroxide will do no harm, but it will not induce vomiting.
Over the coming weeks, we will be discussing other forms of emergencies created by toxic encounters (e.g. insect stings, scorpion/snake /tarantula venoms, toad poisonings, and plant poisons) affecting our pets.
